An Assessment of Strategic National Interest on African Continental Free Trade Area: a Case Study of Kenya.

Abstract

This research assesses Kenya’s Strategic National Interest and preparedness in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area in line with the country development agenda in the context of the existing policy framework. The research project, uses Kenya as a case study in terms of preparedness, by identifying specific key areas cutting across from infrastructure, human capital and other relevant technical expertise. Kenya’s development strategies which are tied around sectoral reforms and the Vision 2030 are instrumental in the justification of economic growth and development through the promotion of improved economic policies and resource. Specific scholars and conceptual framework has been considered in the analysis and assessment of the Countries readiness to tap into the African Continental Free Trade Area economic prospects. This study adopted descriptive survey because it targets both qualitative and quantitative statistics. Both primary and secondary data was used. This study targeted a mix number of respondents, which includes respondents from Ministry of Industrialization Trade and Enterprise Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kenya National Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Business Community and the Public. The sample size of the study was 51 respondents chosen using the stratified random sampling. Questionnaires were utilized for this study. The data collected was processed to make it clean and suitable for analysis. The processed records were then analysed using descriptive statistical analysis (degree of important tendencies) through Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 23. The analysed data was presented using graphs and pie charts. The study found that the respondents were aware of the operationalization process of AFCFTA. The study also found that although the government had preparation measures in place in implementing its interest in AFCFTA these initiatives were unknown to a majority of the respondents both in private and public domain, hence these measures cannot be utilized fully. The study concludes that more people in the public domain could explore the opportunities presented by AFCFTA in their business undertakings, if they have all the information required to participate in AFCFTA. As a result, this study suggests that governments should negotiate a wide variety of complicated regulations and underlying public policy issues controlling market access and regulating service supply, particularly in areas where negotiation and liberalization are prioritized. In most nations, there is no one entity in charge of all policies controlling trade in services; instead, the task is divided among many ministries and agencies.